BOISE - In Idaho's inner Republican Party, the name Jason Lehosit is as familiar as any in the past 10 years.
A consultant, fundraiser and campaign manager for several high profile Idaho politicians including Gov. Butch Otter in his 2005 campaign and now, Lt. Gov. Brad Little, is in jail after allegations of violating his DUI probation.
Court records show that 33-year-old Jason Lehosit's possible probation violation was for his fourth DUI. Attorney David Leroy says, if Lehosit did in fact violate his probation, a judge won't take his sentence lightly.
"Any violation of a felony probation is extremely serious and carries penitentiary ramifications," said Leroy.
In January 2006, Judge Thomas Neville found Lehosit guilty of his fourth DUI, a felony. As part of his sentence the judge put Lehosit on probation. One condition of probation prohibited Lehosit from drinking alcohol. Wednesday, Lehosit was arrested for claims of him doing just that.
"Judges take very seriously a defendant’s obligation to strictly comply with all terms of a probation," said Leroy.
In Idaho, a third DUI could land someone in prison. A close look at DUI offenders currently under the jurisdiction of Idaho Department of Correction, show that prison is not the preferred sentence.
Of the 2,100 third time offenders, only 17 percent were sentenced to prison, and 71 percent were put on probation.
"You don't have to be a significant public figure to get a break on a third DUI. The judges take each case on a one by one analysis," said Leroy.
Leroy says Lehosit's political position in the GOP will not make any difference in front of a judge.
"The judges are relatively immune to any kind of clout. They treat any defendant appropriately based on what the characteristics of that defendant are," said Leroy.
Leroy says Idaho judges have a wide degree of latitude when sentencing, that means he could be put back on probation or spend significant time in prison. Lehosit is scheduled to be arraigned before Judge Neville on Nov. 16.
